Is PDF or Word better for an ATS?

Both parse well in modern applicant tracking systems as long as the text is selectable (not an image). Use PDF unless a posting specifically asks for .docx. Avoid scanned or image-only PDFs.

Do ATS systems really reject resumes automatically?

Most don't auto-reject; they rank and surface candidates. But a resume that parses poorly or matches few keywords ranks low and rarely reaches a recruiter, which has the same effect.

How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?

Run it through an ATS checker. ResuBuild gives a 0-100 ATS score with specific fixes, so you can correct structure and keyword gaps before you apply.

← All guides

ATS · 8 min read

How to beat the ATS: an applicant tracking system guide

An applicant tracking system (ATS) parses your resume into structured data and ranks it against the job. To beat it, use a single-column layout with standard section headings, save as PDF or DOCX, skip tables/columns/graphics, and match the job's keywords. There's no secret trick — clean structure plus relevance wins.

Most mid-size and large employers run resumes through an applicant tracking system before a human sees them. The ATS reads your file, extracts your contact details, work history, and skills into fields, and scores how well you match the posting. If it can't parse your resume, your experience effectively disappears.

What breaks an ATS

Multi-column layouts and text boxes that parsers read out of order.
Tables and graphics used for skills, ratings, or timelines.
Headers/footers containing your contact info (some parsers ignore them).
Non-standard section names like 'Where I've Made Magic' instead of 'Experience'.
Images, icons, and fonts that don't embed or extract as text.

What works

1Use a single-column layout with clear, standard headings (Summary, Experience, Skills, Education).
2Save as PDF or DOCX — both parse well in modern systems; avoid image-only PDFs.
3Put your name, email, phone, and location in the body, not the header.
4List skills as plain text, comma-separated or bulleted — never in a table or rating bar.
5Match the posting's keywords and job title language where they're true.

Formatting your work history so it parses

Parsers look for a consistent pattern: job title, company, location, and dates on or near the same line, followed by bullet points. Keep dates in a standard format (e.g. 'Jan 2023 – Present') and don't split a single role across columns. ResuBuild's templates are built around this structure so your roles, dates, and companies extract correctly every time.

Check your parse quality with an ATS score

You don't have to guess. An ATS checker simulates how a parser reads your resume and flags problems. ResuBuild gives every resume a 0-100 ATS score covering contact completeness, summary quality, skills coverage, bullet structure, quantified impact, action verbs, clichés, and job-keyword match — with a specific fix for anything below full marks.

Want to see your score now? ResuBuild scores your resume against the ATS as you build, and its templates are single-column and parse-safe by design.

Frequently asked questions

Is PDF or Word better for an ATS?: Both parse well in modern applicant tracking systems as long as the text is selectable (not an image). Use PDF unless a posting specifically asks for .docx. Avoid scanned or image-only PDFs.
Do ATS systems really reject resumes automatically?: Most don't auto-reject; they rank and surface candidates. But a resume that parses poorly or matches few keywords ranks low and rarely reaches a recruiter, which has the same effect.
How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?: Run it through an ATS checker. ResuBuild gives a 0-100 ATS score with specific fixes, so you can correct structure and keyword gaps before you apply.